Comments for February 17

v.11 (and later verses - 13,14,25) - The word 'ouches'. (Heb. mishb'tsah - 04865) It seems that it suggests a setting for a gem stone, as you would find on a ring. The word is used extensively in Exodus, but only once elsewhere, where we have reason to associate it with much higher things. It is in Ps.45:13-17, where it is translated 'wrought'. This Psalm takes us through a number of ideas which tell us that the picture is one of the bride being married to Christ for eternity. All this from a consideration of 'ouches'.

v.7 tells us that the two shoulder-pieces were to be 'joined together'. There is a picture here of the High Priest bridging the gap, as it were, a picture of our advocate Jesus, the Great High Priest, carrying the people of Israel - those whose names are written in the onyx stone - v.12, which were on the shoulders. This is referred back to, I assume, in the famous words of Isa. 9:6 where 'the government shall be upon his shoulder'.

:36 The 'holiness to the Lord' on the mitre which was on the forehead of the high priest testified to his personal commitment to service of his God. This commitment passes into the way in which the Nazarite was committed to God when we are informed [Numbers 6:8] that all the days of his separation he is 'holy to the Lord'. This shows that holiness is not something that can be developed by speaking words. Rather holiness is something seen in a way of life.

:1 In taking Aaron from 'among his brethren' we are being shown that the high priest must share the nature and experiences of those he serves. This is true to Jesus also Hebrews 5:1

28:38 The twofold mention of ‘forehead’ as the location for the ‘plate’ is a reminder that the iniquity of Israel came from their own mind – not from some external tempter.

Exo 28:36 The golden plate on the front of Aaron’s mitre said "Holiness to the Lord". This purified the gifts of the people of Israel Exo 28:38 In other words, human gifts had to be cleansed before they could be acceptable to God.

Exo 28:21  "Every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes" When we go to Num. 2  we see the order of the names with the four rows of three.  

Aaron's robe was made so that it could not be torn (vs.31,32). Christ's coat was not torn when his clothes were divided by the soldiers at his crucifixion (John 19:23,24).

V.34 (See also Exo 39:26).  Embroidered pomegranates were to be alternated with gold bells on the hem of Aaron's robe. According to Jewish tradition, a pomegranate contains 613 seeds, which would correspond to the 613 tenets of the Law. That is the reason Jews eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashonah (Jewish new Year).  Actually, the number of seeds in a pomegranate varies according to the size of the fruit.  But, anything can be incorporated into tradition, whether really true or not.  That is the reason we should always compare any tradition we hold with the Word (2Thess 2:15).

The precious stones, representing the tribes of Israel, were carried by Aaron, the high priest before Yahweh. Similarly, our high priest Jesus bears us before the LORD. We are living stones which make up the house of the Lord (1Pet 2:5).

The display of HOLINESS TO YAHWEH (v.36) is picked up again in Zechariah in an image of the Kingdom Zech 14:20).

V.34 The use of the bell seems to have been to announce to the people when the high priest entered the most holy place, that they might accompany him in their prayers.

The concept of garments has much spiritual meaning in scripture, and here we see the arraying of the priests, who by reason of death could not bring salvation.  Our high priest that did was clothed, as it were, as we are by God, in righteousness.  What a stark contrast.  No pomp, no ceremony - just righteousness. Let us learn.  The ceremony and ritual of the law has gone.

V.3 - "consecrate" Heb. "gadesh" (6942) means "to be clean, consecrate, purify, sanctify, holy keep, appoint, dedicate, prepare, proclaim, to set apart", etc.

28        Notice the threefold ‘heart' (Exo 28:29,30 (twice)) and twofold ‘forehead’ (28:38). The heart is the place where the names should be. The head is where the sins are borne. There is a need to understand that the sins destroy the relationship that one has with God.

Note the phrase 'Aaron shall bear' in v12,29,30,38 It firstly points to bearing the names of the children of Israel firstly on his shoulders (v12) and secondly on his breast (or heart v29,30). Finally Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things on his forehead (or mind v38)
Surely this points forward to our Lord Jesus in Heb 9:28, who was once offered to 'bear <399> the sins of many.' This should exhort us to 'offer <399> the sacrifice of praise to God continually' Heb 13:15.

Each Israelite was represented through the name of his tribe which was shown by a distinct colored stone (vs.17-21). Contrast this with the chosen spiritual Israelites who will all receive a white stone but a unique name (Rev 2:17).

28:2 That the garments were for ‘glory and for beauty’ is like the way that Jesus was crowned with glory and honour - Psa 8:5 which is quoted in Heb 2:7

28:16    The breastplate, which carried the stones representative of Israel, is ‘foursquare’ which is reflected in the city of Rev 21:16

28:29 In bearing the names of the children of Israel upon his heart we see that Aaron should appreciate that he is representing the people in his ministry in the tabernacle.

Moses was a Christ-type.  Let's look at a priestly parallel.  Moses was a priest (Psa 99:6).  Jesus is a high priest over His household (Heb 4:14,15 etc.).  Moses delegated priestly responsibility to his brethren (v.1).  Jesus will do that to his brethren in the Kingdom (Rev 1:6; 5:10).

Exo 28:30 - The Urim (signifies lights) and Thummim (means perfections - suggesting complete truth) combined may have represented the shining forth of complete truth where God would answer the people. It would seem there was perhaps some means where reflections of the gems/stones on the priest's breastplate were connected with the lot in providing an answer (Lev 8:8;Deut 33:8;Ezra 2:63;Num 27:21;1Sam 14:36-46;1Sam 28:6;Prov 16:33;Prov 18:18). Some of the preceding was gleaned from The Book of Exodus  by H.P. Mansfield, p379-380.

28:30 In bearing the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart Aaron was to understand that his work was not simply a matter of following the ritual of the law. He was also to have the position of the children of Israel in his mind at all times. The matters of judgment were to be made in order that the people were clean before God’s eyes.

The variety of precious gemstones that went into the breastplate (twelve in all) shows us that mineral mining had been part of society for quite some time. The Topaz for example is said in Job 28:19 to come from Ethiopia, a neighbour to Egypt. Egypt is where the children of Israel presumably obtained the gemstones when they plundered the Egyptians (see Exo 12:35-36). Also 1Kin 10:2 tells us of the precious stones the Queen of Sheba brought Solomon, also presumably from Ethiopia or near there.

28:32 The priestly garment was to  be made so that it couldn’t be ‘rent’ and so when in John 19:24 Jesus’ garment was not rent we see that Jesus had been officiating as  a priest in Israel during his ministry.

FULLY DRESSED

The high priest in Israel has some very ornate things to wear. If we had a chance to see the high priest in Israel, I think that even if we did not know who he was, we would still have recognised him as a very important man of God. We probably cannot afford to wear such clothes today, and wearing them to school or work would be impractical, but the clothes of a high priest actually represented the thinking and actions of a servant of God.

The Ephod was made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, teaching us of the way we can grow to become God's people. On the shoulders of the ephod were two onyx stones with the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on them. We need to use our shoulders - our strength - to help our brothers and sisters.

The breastplate was like a pocket that sat over the priest's chest. Inside were two stones, the Urim and the Thummim which were used for making decisions. These were over his heart. When we make decisions they must be godly decisions that sit well with our heart. On the breastplate were also rows of twelve gems engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. Our brothers and sisters must be people of value in our hearts.

The priest was to wear a robe of blue cloth showing his nearness to God.

He also had to wear a turban that had a gold plate across the front of it engraved with the words "Holy to the LORD." (Exo 28:36) This gold plate sat over the forehead of the high priest. Our thinking need to be holy to the LORD too.

And underneath, the priest was to wear linen undergarments. So we must be clothed with the righteousness that comes from God. Without these undergarments the priest would "incur guilt and die." (v.43)

Let us be seen as priests of God, not by what we wear, but by how we act as his servants.

28:41 So we see once again that the Levitical order of priesthood could only be established through the ordinance of Moses, the prophet. So it was inferior to that which the ‘one like unto Moses’ would establish.

28:36 “Holiness to the Lord” indicates total commitment to God. Tyre’s wealth –Isa 23:18 – in like manner, will be devoted to God, rather than the greed of man.

 Exo 28:29,30.

28:42  The priest’s covering was made at the instruction of God to cover their nakedness. Doubtless the priest would have reflected on the way that God made coats of skin for Adam and Eve – Gen 3:211 

28:39  No doubt the clothing of the high priest was splendid to look upon. Likewise it would have taken skill and time to make. However it was not the beauty of the garment or the time it took to make it that is important. The intricate and time consuming nature of the garment’s manufacture teaches that developing a Godly character is time consuming and requires effort.

Exo 28:1

we have a wonderful type revealed to us in those namesAaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar seen in Ex28:1.

For in the Hebrew the names, Aaron means very high, Nadab, willing, Abihu, he is my father, Eleazor, El is a helper and Ithmar, land of palm, put those together and we have

“he who has been elevated will render willing service to he who is his father, and because El is his helper he will grow up as the palm, producing fruit in the desert.” 

So in those names we see the very character of our Lord Jesus Christ and we also see the promise and blessing to those of us who seek to be servants to God those who seek to approach him in humbleness.

28:32  In saying that the garment was to be made in a particular way “that it be not rent” seems to be the Old Testament background to John 19:24 where Jesus’ garment was not to be rend. Of course the soldiers did not what they were doing. However God ensured that the principles he had laid out should be fulfilled, even though the high priest at the trial of Jesus did not – Mark 14:36

Exo 28:31-32 - The colour of the High Priest’s robe of the Ephod was blue.  The garment was woven as one piece.  The purpose was to give sufficient strength to ensure that it could not be torn. First, we are told the colour was blue.  What is spiritual significance?  The children of Israel were required to put a ribbon of blue on the fringe of their garments (Num 15:38-41).  The purpose was to remind them to “remember all the commandments of the Lord”(v.39) and that they were holy people of the Lord (v.40) and that the Lord was the means of their deliverance from Egypt (v.41).

Therefore, the significance of the Priest’s blue garment like the blue ribbon in the garments of the Israelites was to remind them of the commandments of the Lord and the means of their deliverance. To be cleansed of our sins, we must trust the Word of God because, “The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil”. (Prov 20:30).

The whole record of the construction of the Tabernacle and its service was to teach Israel the unity of God’s Word and His plan for those who would seek to worship Him in sincerity and truth.

The Exodus record presents a double (i.e.Exo.25-28 c.f. Ex.36-39) emphasis to underscore the importance of the preparation for unity in worship for the children of Israel.  A clear message for ecclesias today to preserve the faith and unity of the body of Christ, “that there should be no schism in the body but members should have the same care one for another” (1Cor 12:12-25).  

28:41  Having described the detail of the garments which Aaron and hi sons were to wear we are caused to realise that the garments I themselves, beautiful as they were, were not sufficient to allow them to approach unto God. They had to be consecrated and sanctified also.

Exo 28 In this chapter, the lengthy description of the the various items of clothing that Aaron was required to wear in his role as high priest are listed: yet one item of apparel is missing from the list... shoes (or more likely sandals).

In Exo 3:5 (and repeated by Stephen in Acts 7:33) Moses was told by Yahweh at the burning bush to remove his shoes as he was standing on holy ground. In Exo 30:18-21 we read that Aaron and his sons were to always wash their hands and feet before going into the tabernacle (including the Holy Place which was a sanctified area) so whilst it is not specifically mentioned, we can be 99% sure Yahweh would expect them to go barefoot in the tabernacle itself as the whole tabernacle was sanctified (or holy) to Yahweh as Exo 29:43, Lev 8:10 and Num 7:1 all record.

28:42-43         When the priest offered sacrifices before God they were clothed in special garments. The breeches spoken of here would be covered by the outer garments. However the requirement was that they were worn even though they were not seen. In like manner our covering in Christ is not visible. That is it is not visible unless we manifest Godliness in our behaviour.

28:4    the “chains of God” is yet another link with the Song 1:10

Exo 28:31-35  Attached to the hem of the ephod were pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet. Between each pomegranate was a golden bell. So when Aaron entered the Holy Place the sound of the bells would be heard outside as he went about his work of service before the LORD. (v.35).  If the faithful Israelite heard the bells on the High Priest’s garment he would understand the significance of the sound. So the sweet Psalmist of Israel wrote, “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”(Psa 89:14-15).

28:9    here, in the way that the names of the tribes are engraved, is one of the indications in the details of the tabernacle, that it was designed exclusively for the worship of the nation of Israel.

28:17 In the phrase “set in it settings” the Hebrew for “set” (ml’) is related to the word for “settings” (ml’h).  ml’ is usually translated “fill”, hence an alternative marginal rendering is “fill in it fillings”. This phrase appears to be mirrored in Ephesians 1:23: “the fulness of him that filleth”. Note also that a few verses earlier, in Ephesians 1:17, “the spirit of wisdom” is a quote from Exodus 28:3.

28:1 that Israel’s representatives who were taken from among the people is seen with the priesthood and will be seen – Deut 18:18 – with respect to the supreme prophet that will be like Moses.

28:3 We think of clothes as being for our comfort. We may even think of making a statement by choosing particular clothes – we might choose “designer” clothes or clothes that show some sort of allegiance with one brand or another.

Whilst what we wear is of little consequence we should appreciate that we should clothe our minds in things for “glory and for beauty”. This is only achieved by learning what He expects of us from a systematic reading of His word.

28:3The work of preparing materials for the priesthood was not reserved for a few individuals. All who had the relevant qualities were to join in the work. The same is true for us. We cannot leave serving God to others. We must be involved if we have the qualities required. Lest we feel that we do not have the “qualities” we should appreciate that we should be striving to develop the sort of qualities that equips us for service to Him.

28:23  Aaron’s job was not just a ritual requiring him to follow all the instructions God gave him. In having the names of the children of Israel on his heart we see that he was to be emotionally involved with the nation that he was to officiate for, having been taken from amongst them.

28:29, 30 the breastpiece of judgment on his heart ... they shall be  on Aaron's heart... Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart.

Notice the emphasis "on the heart". If we deleted this expression the meaning would not be too much affected. But God is emphasising that when Aaron brought Israel's remembrance to God and judgment was needed, it must alway be based "on the heart", that is with affection.

Whenever we remember our brothers and sisters to God, even in judgment, let it be with affection for them not crippling judgment.

PRECIOUS

The attitude we should have toward family and fellow believers is shown in the garments of the high priest.

Firstly, the high priest had to wear two onyx stones secured to the shoulder straps of his garment, and held in by settings of gold filigree. On these two stones were to be engraved the names of the sons of Israel. The onyx stones were to sit on the shoulders of the high priest.

And secondly, on the front of his garment, the high priest had twelve precious stones on display. Each of these stones also had an engraving – each stone was engraved with a single name of one of the tribes of Israel.

The comment on the onyx shoulder stones was this: “And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance.” (Exo 28:12). And the comment on the twelve breastpiece stones was this: “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgement on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.” (v.29).

What attitudes should we learn from the precious stones the high priest had to wear?

Our family, and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, are precious, like precious stones, and deserve to be treated as such. We must remember them and lift them up in prayer before the LORD. It is our job to carry our brothers and sisters on our shoulders, to bear their burdens, and to be a strength and encouragement. And we need to hold them in the most precious place we can – in our hearts.

We might not be wearing the high priest outfit, but let’s make sure we display the right attitudes.

84 v. 5-7 - Here we have an account of one of the actions of those who are in Zion and appear before God - that they pass through the valley of Baca and make it a well. The word Baca (bakah - 10506 01507) is the same word translated 'mulberry trees'. When there was a stirring in the mulberry trees 2Sam.5:24 then it was time for action. That action brought water out of drought - the purpose of a well (or fountain - ma'yan 04599). Compare the use of this (fairly rare) word in 1Kings 18:5 (translated 'fountains') in the days of Ahab. So we, as inhabitants of Zion, should turn drought into living waters as we preach.

84 v.4 - There are quite a number of references to dwelling in God's house. This refers to the abiding places that Christ's perfection of God's plan created for us by grace (John 14:1-3). See also Psa.23:6, 27:4, 65:4, 134:1-3

Psalm 83 - Certain events in Israel's history seem to be spoken of a number of times. The defeat of God's enemies by Gideon being one. This Psalm draws upon these events. :11 Oreb Zeeb Zebah Zalmunna Judges 7:25. We might like to give some thought as to why this is so.

84:10 Being a doorkeeper in the house of God was no menial task. So we should not think that it will be a job for the saints in the kingdom - as if we were to think that we would be happy if that was all we were able to do.

83:6 The Hagarenes can be identified (1 Chronicles 5:10) as coming from the North East of Israel.

84:4 Jesus knew that those who 'dwell' in God's house are blessed. This is why he encouraged Peter (John 14:1-2) telling him (and us) that he was going to prepare a place in God's house for us.

83:9 We have already seen references to Gideon’s work notice also references to Deborah and Barak with the mention of ‘Sisera’ and ‘Jabin’.  Maybe the focus on these Judges tells us something about the location of the battle spoken of in the Psalm. Both Judges were involved in battles in the area of the Jezreel valley

84:5,12 Here is another Psalm where we learn how a man can be blessed and how to achieve that blessing (see also Psa 1:1, 32:1, 65:4, 94:12)

Psalm 83  This Psalm is a prayer for the destruction of those who would destroy Israel.  V.6-11  "confederate against thee" Even though Israel has the odd friend to day, we see these few verses has having a present day application.

Psalm 84  A song of great joy and delight at the prospects of being in God's house.

LEMONADE
 
"When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!"  I was given this wonderful piece of advice a number of years ago and in taking it and putting it into practice have found that it greatly improves the quality and perception of life.
 
We are on a journey that is going to take us to the place God has prepared for us.  On the way we are going to experience hardships and trials.  What we do with these is up to us.  They will either make us bitter and hardened, or we can accept what we have been given, look for ways of overcoming what we can, and make the most of life, doing what we can with what we have.
 
The Psalmist described this part of the journey like this: "As they pass through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.  They go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion." (Psa 87:6-7) 
 
The valley of Baca means the valley of weeping.  When we come to the valley of weeping we feel sorry for ourselves and mourn.  But not those whose strength is in God.  They may weep but they use their tears to make springs and pools of water so that things will grow!  The valley of weeping will then become a valley of strength and rejoicing.  The lemons have been turned into lemonade.
 
So when we are handed lemons or when we walk through the valley of weeping what are we going to do?  Will we sit there feeling sorry for ourselves or will we get up and go from strength to strength, making the most of what we have got and press on toward Zion?  Only we can decide for ourselves.

The word "amiable" in Psa 84:1is usually translated "beloved" as of people.  So is it fair to say that the psalmist here could be prophesying of the New Testament "ecclesia"? We are the temple of God
(1Cor 3:16).

83:1-2 - Maybe we sometimes feel that God is 'keeping silence' - sitting back and not intervening in the things of the earth.  We see His enemies making a tumult, just as the Psalmist did.  One day with the Psalmist (v.18) we will see the day when all shall know the God of Heaven.

83:18    We might think that God would simply punish nations. However the Psalmist, realising His desire, wants His enemies to ‘seek’ God’s name. Is this how we see God’s judgements? Do we see the judgements as bringing about repentance or do we see them as destruction?

84:2      Do we ‘long for’ the kingdom? Or is it something that we feel we can wait for because there are so many enjoyable things to do in this life?

84:11 - "...the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  This reminds the faithful of the good gifts given (even if at times they may not seem like good gifts) including the ultimate gift of grace, eternal life Matt 7:7-14; Acts 15:11

Psa 84:10 would have been an exhortation to the sons of Korah who faithfully continued to be engaged in service in the temple as opposed to their forefather who preferred to set up his own false worship amongst the tents of the wicked.  But this verse also reflects Samuel (another son of Korah: 1Chron 6:28) who opened the doors of the house of the Lord (1Sam 3:15) and saw each day the tents of the wicked outside.
There are other allusions to the early days of Samuel in this Psalm: the use, four times of the phrase "Lord of Hosts" first spoken by Hannah in 1Sam 1:11, and used also in 1Sam 1:3: the use of the concept of God's anointed in verse 9 being an echo of Hannah's use of the concept, again for the first time in scripture in 1Sam 2:10. And what about verse 3, is this not a beautiful description of what Hannah did in bringing her son to God's house?

84:11The promise that the upright will be blessed by God is seen also in Psa 34:9-10

The valley of Baca (84:6) is not a geographical location. In Hebrew the word Baca comes from the root word meaning to weep. Thus, the poetical play on words indicates that the LORD can turn tears of sorrow to those of joy and blessing.  He will do just that when Jesus returns to claim His own (Rev 7:17).

84:4 Dwelling in God’s house is a significant concern of the Psalmist. See Psa 15:1, 24:3, 27:4 How concerned are we to dwell in the house of the Lord? Not just the kingdom but the ecclesia which is the house of God.

83:4  Israel’s enemies sealed their own fate when they decided to cut Israel off that they be not a nation for God had Israel in His thoughts all the year – Deut 11:12- and the certainty of the promises to David are as sure as night follows day – Jer 33:20-21. Whilst this promise in Jeremiah was doubtless spoken after the Psalm was written it still encapsulates an eternal truth about Israel. And His purpose.

83:3 The enemies of Yahweh have conspired against His people and His hidden ones (KJV). The phrase, Hidden ones suggests hidden treasures. These can apply to the people of Israel, but also to things.  Perhaps, the temple and its treasures is meant.  In wanting to destroy the people of Israel, the enemies of Yahweh would want to destroy any symbols of their worship.

84:10 Care should be taken not to read: I had rather be a doorkeeper… with the tone of: I would rather be just a (or a mere) lowly doorkeeper…

The word for doorkeeper in Hebrew is safaf. The word could have easily been translated gatekeeper as gates is translated from the Hebrew word saf (1Chron 9:19). These keepers of the gates were alternatively known as porters (Hebrew shoer = doorkeeper) (1Chron 9:17,22). Notice that they were chosen to hold that honorable position (1Chron 9:22). Notice, also, that those selected were priests (1Chron 9:18; 2Chron 23:4). But, these porters did not hold open doors for people to enter or leave a particular place, as we understand doorkeepers today. They were charged with preventing the unclean from entering the holy place. Moreover, they were to praise Yahweh with music (2Chron 23:5).

There are other things that could be said about the esteemed holy office of a doorkeeper. Suffice it to say, that a doorkeeper was not an insignificant, menial job. It was one of selection to the service of Yahweh from the priestly class.

The psalmist is saying that he would rather be in Yahweh’s service than having all the fineries of this life. For the true followers of Jesus, the same longing should apply. They should rather be (selected) a doorkeeper in Yahweh’s house in the Kingdom than having all the riches of this present life. After all, they would be eligible because they would be priests in that age (Rev 1:6; 5:10).

83:13-17 In asking for divine judgement against the nations, the psalmist's purpose is that of a godly one, concern for others.  "So that men will seek your name"(vs16) so "that they will know you"(vs18).  When we ask for God's judgement in the kingdom of men that we live in, our focus should be in asking for God's will to be done, that His name be proclaimed so that all might choose to commit their lives to Him. 

83:18 Notice that whilst these nations have sought to destroy Israel God’s concern for them is that, rather than simply destroying them, they might turn to Him and recognise Him as God.

Psa 83:4 "(God's enemies)  have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance." sits very nicely with the following quote from the BBC news website dated 30th October 2005: "The Iranian president's call for Israel to be 'wiped off the face of the map' has received a sympathetic ear in some Arabic papers"

The very next verse v5 talks of a confederacy of God's enemies which is surely reflected in Ezekiel 38, especially since it involves Iran (Eze 38:5)

84:12   In verse :5 the blessed man trusted in God’s strength. That trust is re stated here.

The ten nations in Psalm 83, and their origins:

Psa 84:1-2 contains beautifully poetic words to describe how the psalmist yearns for the house of God.  For us, this is our ecclesia.  What an exhortation to view Gods children in our ecclesia in this way.

84:3   The comment about the birds having lodging places seems to be the basis for Jesus’ thoughts  in Matt 8:20

2Chron 20:1-2,22-30 - possible background for Psalm 83 is the days of Jehoshaphat.

Psa 83:4-5 - could this have application to modern nations out to destroy Israel?

Psa 83:6-8 - V6 could the Ishmaelites have application here to the modern day Arabs? V7 could the Philistines have application to the modern day Palestinians in Gaza? V7 could the inhabitants of Tyre have application to the modern day Hezbollah? V8 could Assur (Assyria) have an application to modern day Russia? V8 "holpen"<2220>.

Psa 83:16 - Perhaps a modern day application of shame followed by willing obedience and ultimate salvation.

Psa 83:18 - The Kingdom of God is established on earth.

Psa 84:1-2,10 - the Levitical sons of Korah of the family of Kohath (1Chron 6:16,22) had a role in tabernacle service that included carrying the ark (Num 4:15) and being doorkeepers (1Chron 9:19) - Korah's sons departed from the tents of wickedness (Num 16:26;26:11) - Christ will be the doorkeeper in his Father's kingdom on earth (Matt 25:10-12;Luke 13:25;John 10:7,9).

Psa 84:2 - "the living God" - not an idol like all the other gods. Psa 84:8 - "God of Jacob" - Jacob was already dead so there will be a resurrection as "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living" (Matt 22:31-32).

Psa 84:9 - "look upon the face of thine anointed" (perhaps there is an application to Christ).

84:1    Amiable <3039> creates the idea of a pleasant feeling about God’s tabernacle. The word is translated elsewhere  - e.g. Deut 33:12 – as “beloved” which helps us to see the force of the word more clearly. Are God’s way beloved of us?

CRAVING GOD

I wish we could all have the attitude of the Sons of Korah where being with God means more than anything else. Their psalm begins this way: "How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God." (Psa 84:1-2) Later on they said, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." (v.10)

When we learn to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, as Jesus said we should do, then we will be near the place the Sons of Korah were when they wrote Psalm 84. We need to develop in ourselves a craving for God that is bigger than any other need that we have. We need to grow a reliance, a faith and trust in him that makes anything else seem insecure by comparison.

We can do all that by building up our prayer life and our intimate times with God. We can add to that by obeying him no matter what our "better" judgements might say, and seeing his response to our faith. We can be helped by other faithful people, like the Sons of Korah, who have walked that way before us.

Like the Sons of Korah, let us also grow in our relationship with God so that our heart and flesh cry out for him, just as it was for them.

83:14 The way in which a fire burns the wood is similar language to Zech 12:6 which speaks, later, of God’s judgment around the time of Israel’s deliverance and repentance. 

83:11     The mention of Zeba and Zalmunna should send us back to the time of Gideon as spoken of in the book of Judges – see Judg 8:21

Psalm 84

"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." (Psa 84:2)

The Psalmist is describing strong feelings here. Perhaps he is in trouble and needs God to protect him. Perhaps he is fleeing and needs refuge. Whatever the cause, he wants to be with God, because he knows he will be alright when he's close to Him.

In v6 the word Baca means "weeping", so we could say the verse reads:

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee... Who passing through the valley of weeping makes it a spring of water"

Perhaps he is talking about the amount of tears which are so many that they drench the ground? This may be an allusion to Hagar who, when she had run out of water, sat down and wept, and God showed her a spring of water (Gen 21:15-19)

83:1     The cry “keep not silence” is echoed by the prophet –Psa 62:7. It is a cry that God will intervene. Here in battle and in Isaiah in the context of salvation from sin and Death.

Psa 83:4 - This song of Asaph appears to be a prophecy. We have an example of a fulfilment of this Psalm about 100 years after the time of King David, in the days of Jehoshaphat, see 2Chronicles 20.

Psa.83:4  The song speaks of a confederacy of nations that are determined to destroy God’s people and remove the name of Israel from the earth.

Jehoshaphat’s enemies were intent on the same objective “to cast us out of thy possession which thou hast given us to inherit.” (2Chron 20:11)

Israel was surrounded by hostile nations, Moab and Ammon (2Chron 20:1), multitudes beyond the sea (Galilee?) on this side of Syria (2Chron 20:2), also enemies to the south in Engedi (v.2) and in Mount Seir (2Chron 20:10).

The Psalm 83 makes no mention of enemies of Israel achieving their aim.

The Lord delivered Israel “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, O Jerusalem and Judah fear not.” (2Chron 20:17).

When Israel began to sing and to praise the Lord (perhaps, including Psalm 83?) the enemies of Israel fought each another, Ammon and Moab fought inhabitants of Mount Seir (2Chron 20:21-23).

The latter day enemies of Israel will not succeed in removing the name of Israel from the earth.  The Lord through His judgements will oppose them. The outcome will be that the nations will then understand that the most high reigns over the earth (Psa 83:18). 

84:10 In comparing a “day” with “a thousand” should help us to appreciate the transient nature of this life when compared to life in the kingdom.

83:8    “the children of Lot” are Ammon and Moab – the descendants of the sons that were born to the two daughters of Lot after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

88:4    When the Psalmist, in this Psalm for the sons of Korah, speaks of going down into the pit we see a reference to the way in which Korah died.Num 16:32

84:10   In 1Chron 15:23-24 men are appointed to be “doorkeepers” of the ark. Whilst the word here is different maybe we still have an indication that the sons of Korah sought to guard the ark – possibly form individuals who had no right to access the ark, A stark contrast to their father Korah who sought the priesthood which was not his Num 16:10

84:9 In saying that God is our shield the Psalmist is echoing what God said to Abram – Gen 15:1- where God says He is Abram’s shield and reward.

84:10 One “doorkeeper” shown to us in Scripture is Samuel – 1Sam 3:15 – but we see that there was more to being one who opened and shut doors. Samuel ministered to Eli and served those who came to wordship at the tabernacle

83:9 The Psalmist has reflected in the earlier verses on the way that the nations have oppressed Israel. Rather than being dejected and forlorn his prayer draws on Israel’s past. He makes reference to earlier deliverances at God’s hand and invokes a similar response now. How often do we remind our Father of His saving acts in the past as a basis for asking Him to intervene in the current world events?

84:2  We do not have a physical building that we should long to visit and spend time in. Our “building” is a spiritual building  -  it is the family of fellow believers. How constrained are we to want to spend time with them? Or is it a matter of getting the least possible time with them?

84:5  Society teaches us that unless we advance ourselves we will achieve nothing. Employers expect their employees to have life goals and are less likely to promote those who take a more “pedestrian” approach to life.

Are we driven by this way of seeking advancement or do we put all our strength into the things of God?

84:6 As they go through the valley of Baca

The saints are travelling to Zion, in God's strength (vv 5,7). But on the way, they need to journey through the valley of Baca (weeping).  How true. Our journey to the kingdom, as exciting as it might be, requires us to go through difficult times.  But even those difficult times can be ameliorated by God's blessings ("they make it a place of springs" v6). As they get closer to Zion their spirits lift (They go from strength to strength" v7).

A message to not give up and to stay fixed on the goal.

83:4 There was a time in Jehoshaphat’s reign when the surrounding nations rose up against Judah as can be seen in 2Chron 20:4 possibly providing the historical background for the Psalm.

Psa 84:11

NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD

“’THE LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.’ Here we have a most encouraging picture of the kindness of Him with whom we have to do. This character is the central glory of revelation. We fail, perhaps, at all times to remember it sufficiently. Many things help to cloud it from our view. Our weakness, our shortcomings, our pre-occupations in other directions, the weariness of the constant fight of faith, and other things, prevent us from realizing as constantly as we might, that the Eternal Father, who invites us to Himself by Christ, is full of tenderness and compassion, and overflowing with loving-kindness to such as keep His covenant, and even abounding in long-suffering and goodness towards those who are far from Him.”

Robert Roberts, Seasons of Comfort, p. 20

v.10 - This, and other verses which we will consider here, ought to have a great impact on our efforts. We pray for the kingdom, and yet we know that it will not come until the whole earth have had a chance to hear the word. What are each of us doing to help to bring this about? Consider these passages - Mr.16:15, Matt.24:14, 28:19, Rom.10:18, 15:19, Col.1:6, 23 Rev.14:6.

v.3 Peter, James and John are singled out a number of times in the gospels to be with Jesus for specific events on their own. Here is a list of them. Matthew 17:1 26:37 Mark 5:37 9:2 14:33 Luke 8:51. In the gospels there are a number of times when Jesus took himself away from the crowds up into a mountain. Matthew 5:1 8:1 14:23 15:29 17:1 24:3 28:16 Mark 6:46 9:2 Luke 6:12 9:28 22:39 John 6:3 15 8:1. It seems that this was either for solitude for himself or privacy in order to instruct his disciples. We should note that whilst Jesus went about preaching and teaching and devoting himself to the Father's work he did take time out to fulfil his own personal needs.
v. 14 The 'abomination' is a concept spoken of three times in Daniel (Daniel 9:27 11:31 12:11) and is taken up by Jesus Matthew 24:15 Luke 21:20 to speak of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem One can imagine that the Jews had often discussed what Daniel was speaking about when he spoke of the abomination. Jesus, the greatest prophet, when speaking of this part of Daniel has as his prime concern the welfare of the disciples, not a detailed understanding of Daniel. Our personal salvation is more critical than a correct understanding of the details of the time of the end if Jesus' example here is anything to go by.

Whereas we might think that this prophecy was given to show the disciples when Jerusalem was going to be overthrown by the Romans Jesus' focus is more personal. He is concerned to warn the disciples about the perils that would befall them at this time. Notice these words.
:5 take heed
:7 be ye not troubled
:9 take heed
:23 take heed
:33 take heed
:35 watch
:37 watch
Jesus' prime focus was to prepare his disciples for that terrible time rather than to tell them when it would be. Likewise we should view the prophecies about the events surrounding the return of Jesus as providing us with comfort and encouragement rather than try to work out in advance exactly what will happen, and then fall out with our brothers and sisters when they disagree with our interpretation.

Notice that Jesus is speaking both of things which the disciples will see
:7, 9, 11, 13, etc:
And of events which will occur after their death
:26 'they'

13:1-3 Notice the details Mark provides. 'One' disciple comments about the temple, probably in the Kidron valley. When they had got to the mount of Olives and were resting Peter James and John question Jesus about what Jesus had said to the one disciple to whom Jesus spoke about the overthrow of the temple.

Mark 13:33  Know ye not It could be during our lifetime, but it may not be. Be alert all your life, for the coming could be in your youth, in your maturity, or in your old age. We do know however, that it can not be far away. Therefore Take ye heed.

We do not know precisely when the Lord will return (vs. 32,33).  Yes, we should watch current events as they unfold in the geo-political heavens.  This will bolster our faith and spur us on, especially if we talk it up amongst ourselves (Heb 10:25).  Insistence on numerological precision, to conclude points of prophecy with an adamant promotion and defence of time frames is not helpful. And yet, some brethren insist on such practices.  Even some of our founding brethren, to whom we owe much, have foundered upon these shoals to the chagrin of many. This practice can be divisive, denying the greater reason for our sojourning together (Col 3:15).

Rather, let us just watch and pray, and stand firm (1Cor 16:13). 

v.1,2 - Not only do we learn of the salvation of Jesus here but we learn also that those things which man admires are nothing - the mere work of men's hands.

13:12   Whilst the betrayal spoken of doubtless took place in the time of the first century ecclesia the words had a poignant truth in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

V.33 For the fourth time Jesus says "take ye heed" or perhaps better rendered "take care" V.5; 9; 23; 33, He is telling the disciples to remain awake. They have been asking about the time when the Master's predictions would be fulfilled. (V.4) They should have been far more concerned about being ready, so they could arm themselves to spend their time profitably. They should be aware of the events that are taking place, so they would be strengthened (V.23)  Be on your guard, Keep watch.

Today’s chapter is of Jesus giving what we know as the Olivet Prophecy. He spoke of the time soon to come when Jerusalem would be overthrown in AD70, and then of the last days when He will come in His kingdom. “You don’t know when that time will be,” He said, “so keep working and keep watching” (Mark 13:32-37).

v 34 here we have the doorkeepers of Psa 84:10 in a present context. We each have our assigned tasks in the present ecclesial situation, and as we know from Matt 25:14-30 we each have been given suitable talents.

We have been given this end-time prophecy by the Lord, together with his end-time prophecy of Revelation, and it is helpful to meditate on them together, so that we may better understand them.

This chapter contains what is termed the Olivet Prophecy. Comparable accounts can be found in Matt 24 and Luke 21.  The prophecy essentially concerns the events of 70 AD - the destruction of the temple; the massacre of many (over 1 million) Jews; and the scattering of the Jewish people to different lands.  However, some parts of the prophecy pertain to Christ's second coming.  Careful examination is needed to understand which parts of the prophecy belong to which era.

13:11 We have read these words before. Jesus spoke these words to the disciples - Luke 12:11-12. Jesus had been preparing the disciples for what it would be like after his death. He now returns to the same concern.

V.3 It is interesting to note that it is Mark that tells us who the disciples were that asked the question "When shall these things be?" We also note that on this occasion that not only Peter, James, and John are with the Master, but also Andrew was there.

13:2   That one stone would not be left upon another catches the way in which a leprous house was to be destroyed Lev 14:45.

13:12 The family discord about Jesus has already been spoken of by Jesus – Luke 12:53 – as we have shown in other comments on the Olivet prophecy Jesus’ warnings draw extensively things he had said previously to the disciples. Upon.

DECEPTION

The twelve disciples were not ready for Jesus to die. Even though he had told them plainly time after time that he was to go to Jerusalem, be crucified and be raised from the dead, this concept just went straight over their heads. It was only well after it had all happened that the reality dawned on them.

Another similar era is approaching for us. Again the scriptures warn us time after time of what is going to happen in the last days, but because it all too often it doesn't fit with what we see happening around us right now, it's significance can be completely missed by us.

We are waiting for Jesus to return, just as the disciples were waiting for Jesus to restore the kingdom. But are we, as believers, prepared for a deception that might come, potentially strong enough to deceive even us? "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false Christ's and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect - if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." (Mark 13:21-23) This deception is also spoken about in Daniel 8, 11, Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 2, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 19 and other places.

Let's be warned so that we don't get taken in by the signs and miracles that could so easily deceive us.

13:18 It is common to see this Olivet prophecy as being a prophecy of the last days, doubtless it is. However it had an immediacy relating to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans so ‘your flight be not in winter’ had an immediacy for the disciples.

13:17 In speaking of the ‘woe’ that would be to those with children’ Jesus is possibly reflecting on the curse of Deut 28:53

Summary of Chapter

13:1-2        Leaving Jerusalem – disciples show Jesus the magnificent temple

13:3-37      On the Mount of Olives Jesus speaks to the disciples about destruction of the temple

13:4   ‘tell us when’ is a question often on our lips, by implication. We should realise that the ‘when’ is not as important as being prepared for Jesus’ return. This is a major feature of Jesus’ words to the disciples in the ‘Olivet Prophecy’. This is not to say that we should not desire to know when Jesus will return. Rather our focus should be on being ready whenever it happens.

13:13  Whilst Jesus is speaking specifically about what the disciples should expect we should realise that potentially we are not exempt from such hatred. In fact now we find that those who uphold Biblical principles bring the wrath of others against themselves.

13:6    The many that would come in Jesus’ name are not claiming to be Jesus. It is not as obvious as that. Jesus speaks of those who claim to represent him. We can, therefore, recognise the disconnect between their words and what Jesus taught and so avoid them.

13:27   In talking of the gathering form the “uttermost part of heaven” Jesus is making reference to the promise – Deut 30:4 – that God gave through Moses.

13:5,9Twice in the words Jesus spoke to his disciples he warned them to “take heed”. Deception and persecution were the reasons why the disciples had to take heed.

13:36 of course “sleeping” is not talking of the taking of sleep to rest which is a natural requirement. Rather it speaks of the one who has stopped looking for Jesus’ return, being so wrapped up in the cares of this life.

GREAT BUILDINGS, GREAT RELATIONSHIP

The temple must have been an absolutely magnificent structure. Huge, glorious, and majestic, the temple that Herod had built was one of the wonders of the world at the time.

The temple was also the center of the Jewish faith. The temple was where they offered their sacrifices, where they worshipped and where they prayed. The temple was a most important part of their lives. So as the disciples of Jesus looked out across the valley at the temple as they were leaving it, one of them said, "Look teacher! what massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" (Mark 13:1). The reply Jesus gave about the most magnificent and important building to their worship must have left the disciples gob-smacked.

"'Do you see all these great buildings?' replied Jesus, 'Not one stone here will be left upon another: every one will be thrown down.'" (v.2).

Our worship is not about the buildings, places, people or programmes. Like the temple, they may mean a lot to us, but what is really important is our relationship to God and our faithfulness to him even when everything else gets torn away. People, places, attitudes, aims, directions and life can all fall apart. Let us grow a relationship with God, so that when everything else falls apart, we can remain faithful.
 

13:14 When Jesus said “Ye shall see …” we must conclude that, at least in an initial fulfilment, the abomination spoken of was something that was seen by the disciples who were listening to Jesus’ words.

Regarding the prophesy that not one stone of the temple would be left on another: History records the temple was burned by the Roman soldiers against the orders of their commander. The siege had angered the soldiers and they went into a frenzy when they sacked Jerusalem.  The gold in the temple melted and ran down in between the stones, so the Romans had to completely disassemble the temple stones and even to the foundation stones to reclaim the gold from there.  

13:18 There is always the need to make sure that we are not praying for things which do not fit in with God’s plan and will. The destruction Jesus spoke of was a certain event in the future. That could not be altered so there was no point in praying that it would not happen. However there was value in praying that its impact would be minimised. Our prayers should reflect what we know our Father intends.

13:24 we might wonder whether the disciples thought on these words of Jesus during the crucifixion when the sun was dark from noon – Mark 15:33

13:33  Do we live as if we are expecting Christ to return any time? Or do we organise our lives and plan things assuming that he will not return soon?

13:1 It is now late afternoon on the third day before Jesus was to be crucified. Jesus and his disciples were making their way back to Bethany – their resting place, it seems, for most of the week so far.